The common perception of concrete laborers looks something like this: They’re tough guys who don’t have big plans for a long-term career.
But we’re here to tell you that isn’t true, and we’re working hard to change that perception.
Concrete construction can provide a progressive, fulfilling career. It has for many employees of our Bellingham contracting company.
We’ve always worked hard to ensure our crews have the training and certifications they need to get better at their jobs and advance in their careers. It’s the least we can do for the individuals who’ve committed themselves to us. Plus, we know continuing education and certifications set our company apart from others in town; hiring a concrete contracting firm that employs skilled and trained people makes a difference in the quality of the project being built.
A new training and career-building program
Custom Concrete recently implemented a career training program to help people enter the concrete construction workforce, and to ensure our newest employees are put into a career plan pipeline right away. They can look two, three years into the future and see where their career might take them if they put in the time and effort.
In just four years, concrete workers can go from making $30,000 a year to $60,000. It just takes hard work, training and the support of those who’ve been in the business longer.
Our concrete construction crew members have developed work guidelines that we teach all new recruits. We also introduce them to the technology we’re working with and help them use the tools of the trade.
Once they’re up to speed on the basics, we go into detail on labor guidelines, various certifications and other insider knowledge. The ones who pay attention, who put in the time and effort to learn the trade, move up quickly.
A fulfilling life in the trades
Yes, it can be achieved! Custom Concrete Contracting’s owner, Dave Johnson, has found working in the trades offers a fulfilling, enjoyable lifestyle. He’s worked as a crabber, a fisherman and a construction worker. As a custom concrete installer, he finds the work both mentally and physically challenging.
“Every day is like a different puzzle that I’m trying to solve,” said Dave.
Parents these days are all about pushing their kids toward a college education. “Sometimes we forget the value of work in the trades. Anything that an architect or engineer designs must be built by a laborer. And some of the best architects and engineers, for that matter, are the ones with some trade experience, who know how things are done in the real world and what things are possible.”
That’s why Custom Concrete Contracting works to ensure current and incoming staff are set up for success in the trades.
“It can be a good career with family-wage income, and we want to help our employees achieve that,” said Dave.
For more information on Custom Concrete Contracting’s career opportunities, visit our website and reach out.